Crohn’s disease
Do omega-3s help maintain remission in Crohn’s disease?
The largest, higher-quality trials did not show prevention of relapse. A Cochrane review concluded omega-3s are probably ineffective for maintaining remission.
Updated September 24, 2026 · Editorial attribution: PV Griscom, M.Sc. · Independent clinical review pending
The question behind the headline
People with Crohn’s disease in remission; omega-3 versus placebo.
What the finding does—and doesn’t—tell us
This question concerns keeping disease in remission, not every possible symptom. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were reported.
Read the underlying research.
Selected sources, not an exhaustive reference list. Rating draws on published results and review summaries; no independent full systematic review has been conducted. Source publication dates may precede this page’s update date.
Three questions to take forward
- Was the study population similar to the person or situation I have in mind?
- Did it measure an outcome people feel or experience, or only a laboratory marker?
- How do formulation, usual care, absolute benefit and adverse effects change the interpretation?
Study doses describe experiments; they are not personal dosing advice. Explore safety and limitations ↗